The Jackson 5

Released: October 15, 1970

Songwriter: Deke Richards Freddie Perren Fonce Mizell Berry Gordy

Producer: The Corporation

[Verse 1]
People making lists, buying special gifts
Taking time to be kind to one and all
It's that time of year when good friends are near
And you wish you could give more than just presents from a store

[Chorus]
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day? (on Christmas Day)
Even the man who has everything
Would be so happy if you would bring
Him love on Christmas Day (on Christmas Day)
No greater gift is there than love

[Verse 2]
People you don't know smile and nod hello
Everywhere there's an air of Christmas joy
It's that once of year when the world's sincere
And you'd like to find a way to show the things that words can't say

[Chorus]
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day? (on Christmas Day)
The man on the street and the couple upstairs
All need to know there's someone who cares
Give love on Christmas Day (on Christmas Day)
No greater gift is there than love

[Bridge]
What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs more love

[Chorus]
Why don't you give love on Christmas Day? (on Christmas Day)
Every little child on Santa's knee
Has room for your love underneath his tree
Give love on Christmas Day (on Christmas Day)
No greater gift is there than love

[Outro]
What the world needs is love
Yes, the world needs more love
Give love on, give love on Christmas Day
(on Christmas Day)

The Jackson 5 were originally formed in 1963 under the name, The Jackson Brothers. The founding members were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon. Michael would join the group as the lead singer a year later, a move which pushed Jermaine to sing the backing vocals and play the lead guitar.

After participating in a series of talent shows, they entered the professional music scene in 1967, signing with Steeltown Records and releasing ten singles. In 1969, they left Steeltown Records in order to sign with Motown.

In 1975, most of the Jacksons had opted out of recording any more music for Motown, expressing desires to have creative control over their songs, as well as royalties. Learning that they were earning only 2.8% of royalties from Motown, Joe Jackson, the father and manager of the group, began to negotiate a lucrative contract with Epic records, which offered a royalty rate of 20% per record. The deal was completed in June 1975. As Motown owned the name The Jackson 5, the group simply renamed themselves The Jacksons.

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